AOPA Pilot Magazine - April 2012 - 78

appears he was distracted by the runway change, the need to update the ATIS, and The clean stall speed was 170 KIAS, having to consult the Runway Takeoff and the stick shaker activated 0.5 second Weight Chart Manual to verify that the after liftoff and continued to operate. At flight was legal for takeoff on Runway 3C. 4.5 seconds after liftoff, when the air- This was in addition to helping prepare plane was over the departure end of the the aircraft for flight and some discussion runway at 10 feet agl, the CVR recorded regarding the weather en route. The flight aural stall warnings. The flight climbed to was operating behind schedule; thunder45 feet and accelerated to 186 knots, but storms were in the area; and the crew was because of decreased roll stability in the facing an airport curfew at the final destiincipient stall, the climb rate was insuf- nation in Santa Ana. No pressure! ficient to clear the obstacles. Flaps are a “killer” item, and that’s why there are takeoff-warning systems Probable cause on many bizjets and airliners to serve as The NTSB determined “that the probable a final check. But as we have seen in some cause of the accident was the flight crew’s recent accidents and numerous Aviation failure to use the taxi checklist to ensure Safety Reporting System accounts, autothat the flaps and slats were extended for mation is very good but not perfect—and takeoff. Contributing to the accident was that very reliability causes humans to let the absence of electrical power to the air- down their guard. The warning systems plane takeoff warning system, which did become primary and the human the not warn the flight crew that the airplane backup, which is not the design philosowas not configured properly for takeoff. phy for these aircraft. The reason for the absence of electrical This may come as a shock, but we do not operate consistently at 100 perpower could not be determined.” cent, either—this crew was a little off the Commentary pace with the FO missing the frequency PA_BuyersThe taxi checklist is Page 10/13/2010 change, the Page 1 missing the taxiway, ad_ HP:AOPA Half normally where 9:22 AM captain the FO would have set the flaps, but it and the failure to run the taxi checklist,

SAFETYPILOT

which appears to be the critical fault. And while those of us without sin may cast the first stone, “killer” items on checklists are precisely that. A Delta Air Lines Boeing 727 suffered a similar fate a year later in Dallas, when the crew failed to set flaps and a takeoff warning system malfunctioned. The Northwest crew had more than 28,000 flight hours between them and as far as their records show, they’d never made a critical mistake that resulted in an accident. There were numerous distractions because of a runway change. The takeoff warning system that should have provided that critical bit of configuration data didn’t. The classic accident chain scenario played out, to tragic results. It also shows why rushing during any phase of flight can be deadly. When things start to compress, that’s exactly the time to slow down. Ask for extra time on the ramp or run-up pad, or a delaying vector while airborne—it’s the mark of a pro. Any time another pilot or an automated system reminds you of a killer item, or you catch yourself at the last minute, fine yourself $20. If this happens often, consider changing your procedures. Gravity doesn’t forgive.

Searching for the right pre-owned aircraft?

Find it on ASO.
www.ASO.com

Featuring nearly 4,000 aircraft for sale, ASO is the most up to date and comprehensive online marketplace. With powerful search capabilities, customized aircraft email alerts and many enhanced buying tools, ASO is the best place to find your next aircraft.

Image courtesy of Sikorsky

Buyers use ASO.

Aircraft Shopper Online
The Aircraft Market in Real Time
®
For more information call 1-888-992-9276 / International call 1-732-704-9561

http://www.ASO.com http://www.ASO.com

AOPA Pilot Magazine - April 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - April 2012